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Apostolic & Patristic · Saint
St Nicholas of Myra
Bishop of Myra
Confessor
c. 270 – c. 343
unknown
Ordained
c. 300
Consecrated Bishop
Myra
Diocese
Turkey
Country
The Life
Born c. 270 at Patara in Lycia (modern Turkey), Nicholas became Bishop of nearby Myra. Much of his life is wrapped in pious legend, but he was venerated very early as a model of charity and pastoral zeal.
He is best remembered for his secret almsgiving and his defense of the orthodox faith; he died at Myra c. 343, and his cult spread across East and West, ultimately giving rise to the figure of Santa Claus.
Notable Actions
- Used his inheritance for the poor, secretly providing dowries to save three girls from ruin
- Bishop of Myra in Lycia, renowned for charity and care of the suffering
- Traditionally numbered among the bishops at the First Council of Nicaea (325)
- Venerated from antiquity as a wonderworker and patron of children and sailors
Portrait: Jaroslav Čermák / Wikimedia Commons